Hugo Ekitike Becomes Liverpool’s New Cult Hero

Published: 08 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Hugo Ekitike has already captured the hearts of Liverpool fans despite being in only his first season at Anfield. As the French forward walked off to applause last Saturday, Alexander Isak patted him on the head—a subtle nod from a fellow finisher recognizing another.

While Isak recovers from a broken leg, Liverpool have had no shortage of firepower. Ekitike’s £79m summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt has yielded 15 goals and four assists across all competitions, and he has adapted to the Premier League faster than many expected.

When he scored in the FA Cup last month, Ekitike became only the second Liverpool player to net in five different competitions during his debut season, joining Kenny Dalglish. Beyond the numbers, he has displayed pace, intelligent positioning, link-up play, and an uncanny ability to finish, even earning comparisons to Fernando Torres.

Football legends Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney have both praised him. Shearer called his second goal against Newcastle “world class,” while Rooney hailed him as “one of, if not the best signing in the Premier League this season.”

Ekitike’s finishing repertoire is diverse. A toe-poked strike against Newcastle sparked conversation online, but the technique is a deliberate tool he has been practicing since his first week at Liverpool. By keeping his shooting leg close to the ball, he consistently catches goalkeepers off-guard, drawing comparisons to Romario.

Liverpool identified Ekitike’s potential as far back as January 2025. Manager Arne Slot spoke directly with him and, backed by data that placed him among the best under-23 forwards in Europe alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, Liverpool pushed to secure the deal. Despite Newcastle’s interest, Ekitike was determined to join Liverpool and quickly settled into life on Merseyside, moving into the home previously occupied by Luis Díaz.

Off the pitch, Ekitike has already become a fan favourite. His behind-the-scenes Instagram posts, affectionately called “dumps,” often go viral, revealing a playful, personable side. He engages warmly with fans, even meeting them outside the training ground when access issues arose. Slot describes him as “funny, happy, always bringing energy to the training ground and stadium.”

On the field, Slot has focused on Ekitike’s work-rate off the ball, encouraging him to press high and contribute defensively. Strength training and tailored bulking programmes have improved his physical profile, preparing him for the rigours of the Premier League. These efforts have paid off, with Ekitike linking seamlessly with fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz. The duo’s understanding in tight spaces and quick one-twos allow Liverpool to break down stubborn defences.

Ekitike’s associative play, reminiscent of Roberto Firmino’s influence in previous Liverpool sides, has added a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack. With his pressing, intelligent movement, and finishing, he is now a key figure in Slot’s squad and a potential selection dilemma when Isak returns.

Statistically, Ekitike scores or assists every 112 minutes in the Premier League, the best first-season ratio for a Liverpool player since Mohamed Salah in 2017-18. Against Manchester City at Anfield, he will face Erling Haaland, but his confidence and work ethic suggest he will continue to thrive.

From Reims to Frankfurt and now Liverpool, Ekitike is chasing greatness. With his skill, personality, and drive, it’s clear the boy from Reims is already a cult hero on Merseyside.